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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from December 16-22, 2025

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 12/16/2025

Here is a look at shows taking place from December 16-22, 2025 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.

The events found here are show previews created by New Jersey Stage. You can send press releases to [email protected] to have your events considered for previews. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads are available from $50-$100 per event and can be purchased up to 3 months in advance. Click here for information on advertising at New Jersey Stage.

FEATURED EVENTS

Country Artist Jessica Lynn brings her "A Very Merry Classic Christmas" to New Jersey. (WAYNE, NJ) -- Acclaimed Brooklyn-born country artist, Jessica Lynn, is bringing her annual Christmas spectacular: "A Very Merry Classic Christmas" to three venues in New Jersey from December 17-21, 2025. She will be performing shows in Wayne, West Long Branch, and Newton during the ninth run of her holiday show.

Thursday, December 18 - Outpost in the Burbs presents The Del Fuegos. (MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents The Del Fuegos on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Teddy Thompson will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.




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Thursday, December 18 - Lizzie Rose Music Room presents A Very Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas on Thursday. (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents A Very Very Cassie and Maggie Christmas on Thursday, December 18, 2025. In the heart of Nova Scotia, where the salt of the sea mingles with the depth of the soul, JUNO nominated sisters, Cassie and Maggie, unite as a powerful and commanding folk duo. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 7:30pm.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents two shows by Steve Forbert. (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Steve Forbert is touring in support of his wonderful album, Daylight Savings Time, and has a pair of shows coming up at the Lizzie Rose Music Room on December 19-20, 2025. The first night is sold out, but a limited number of tickets are available for the second night.

Saturday, December 20 - bergenPAC presents Old Crow Medicine Show's Holiday Hootenanny featuring Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Old Crow Medicine Show's Holiday Hootenanny featuring Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:00pm. For the very first time, Old Crow Medicine Show is bringing a holiday tour to the stage!

EVENT PREVIEWS

Thursday, December 18 - Rialto Spotlight Series Closes Out 2025 with Westfield Native and Touring Drummer Lucy Ritter. (WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The Rialto Center for Creativity's Spotlight Series closes out 2025 with a high-energy evening featuring Lucy Ritter, a professional drummer whose remarkable career has taken her from local stages in Westfield to sold-out tours around the world. The event will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Rialto Center for Creativity. Showtime is 7:00pm.

Friday, December 19 - The Vogel presents The Smithereens with special guest vocalist John Cowsill. (RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents The Smithereens with special guest vocalist John Cowsill on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 8:00pm. Since their formation in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have earned a reputation as one of America's most enduring rock bands.

Friday, December 19 - The Newton Theatre presents From Good Homes. (NEWTON, NJ) -- From Good Homes returns to The Newton Theatre for shows on December 19-20, 2025 at 8:00pm each night. The genesis of the band dates back to a high school when childhood friends Todd Sheaffer, Brady Rymer, and Patrick Fitzsimmons came together in rural, Northwestern NJ to play some music.

Friday, December 19 - Newark Symphony Hall Kicks Off Centennial Year with Holidays at the Hall: DJ D-Nice and Jazz Legend Gerald Albright Lead Star-Studded Celebrations. (NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark Symphony Hall kicks off a year-long centennial celebration with a slate of holiday programming, including A Merry Club Quarantine (CQ) Christmas Concert featuring DJ D-Nice and an all-star lineup of special guests on Friday, December 19, 2025. DJ D-Nice, the iconic architect behind "Club Quarantine," will headline this holiday dance party, with host Tisha Campbell. They will be joined by special guests NEXT, YG Marley, Kenny Burns, Jaheim, Shirley Jones, Koffee Brown, and more. The doors open at 7:00pm and showtime is 8:00pm.

Friday, December 19 - New Jersey Symphony returns with its holiday tradition: Handel's Messiah. (PRINCETON, NJ) -- New Jersey Symphony will present three performances of George Frideric Handel's Messiah. The Symphony will perform all three parts of the oratorio. The performances will take place Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:30pm and Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:30pm at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton; and Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 7:00pm at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

Saturday, December 20 - Water Gap Jazz Orchestra presents Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker and the Grinch Suites at Morris Museum. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra returns to the Morris Museum to perform Duke Ellington's iconic Nutcracker Suite and their very own Grinch Suite. Performances take place Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm.

Saturday, December 20 - Sixpence None The Richer presents O'Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas at SOPAC. (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Sixpence None the Richer is "coming out swinging" for their first tour in nearly two decades. "O'Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas" is an evening of Christmas classics delivered in the band's distinctive blend of indie-rock guitars and dynamic vocals. The tour comes to South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:30pm.

Sunday, December 21 - Light Opera of New Jersey presents annual Holiday Pops Concert on December 21st. (BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) presents its annual Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the Ridge Performing Arts Center in Basking Ridge. The concert, featuring a full orchestra and a program of festive classics, will star acclaimed Soprano Kristin Sampson and Tenor Jeremy Brauner, led by LONJ's Executive Director and Conductor Jason Tramm, with Susan Heerema serving as Concert Master. Showtime is 3:00pm.

Sunday, December 21 - Great Music on the Morristown Green presents Parallel Brass Quintet on December 21st. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Great Music on the Morristown Green presents the acclaimed Parallel Brass Quintet in concert on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Morristown United Methodist Church. Parallel Brass is a group of diverse musicians and music educators who possess a wide range of musical skills and expertise, including classical, jazz, Latin, and many other genres. Showtime is 3:00pm.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, December 16 @ 6:30pm - OCVTS GPAA Winter 2025 Showcases at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Thursday, December 18 @ 5:00pm - OCVTS GPAA Winter 2025 Showcases at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Thursday, December 18 @ 7:00pm - The Maccabeats at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Thursday, December 18 @ 7:30pm - OCVTS GPAA Winter 2025 Showcases at Grunin Center - Main Stage, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Thursday, December 18 @ 7:30pm - Cassie and Maggie - A very very Cassie and Maggie Christmas at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

Thursday, December 18 @ 8:00pm - The Del Fuegos at Outpost In The Burbs, 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair

Friday, December 19 @ 7:30pm - Broadway for the Holidays 5 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Friday, December 19 @ 7:30pm - Steve Forbert at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

Saturday, December 20 @ 2:00pm - Broadway for the Holidays 5 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, December 20 @ 2:00pm - John Denver Christmas featuring Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Saturday, December 20 @ 7:00pm - The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street, Middletown

Saturday, December 20 @ 7:00pm - Old Crow Medicine Show's Holiday Hootenanny Featuring Bronwyn Keith-Hynes at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

Saturday, December 20 @ 7:30pm - Broadway for the Holidays 5 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, December 20 @ 7:30pm - L’Chaim - A Toast to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway at Kean Stage - Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Avenue, Hillside

Saturday, December 20 @ 7:30pm - Steve Forbert at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton

Saturday, December 20 @ 7:30pm - John Denver Christmas featuring Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Sunday, December 21 @ 2:00pm - Broadway for the Holidays 5 at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Sunday, December 21 @ 3:00pm - Have Yourself a Merry Little Big Band starring Zack Alexander at Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan

Sunday, December 21 @ 7:00pm - Darlene Love - Love For The Holidays at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood

COMING SOON

The 80's New Wave tour Totally Tubular Festival comes to Ocean Casino Resort  (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The 80's New Wave tour Totally Tubular Festival has four East Coast shows to close out 2025, including a stop at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on Saturday, December 27th with a lineup that includes A Flock Of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, Thomas Dolby, The Romantics, Bow Wow Wow, and Tommy Tutone.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall

Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th

Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Joe Jackson + Band

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Chris O'Leary Band

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Bell Bottom Blues - A Tribute to Eric Clapton

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Evening Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ



 

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